Brides of Rome

When passion is punishable by death, can one priestess keep her emotions concealed and help steer the course of history?Ancient Rome is a world of power and privilege, secrets and sacred duty. The esteemed priestesses of Vesta the Vestal Virgins are charged with ensuring the Eternal Flame in their temple never goes out. While it burns, Rome cannot fall. They are known as the Brides of Rome. Dedicated to a thirty-year vow of chaste service, Priestess Pomponia finds herself swept up in the intrigue, violence, wars and bedroom politics of Rome's elite Julius Caesar, Marc Antony and Cleopatra, Octavian and Livia all the while guarding the secret affection she has in her heart. But when a charge of incestum a broken vow of chastity is made against the Vestal order, the ultimate punishment looms: death by being buried alive. Debra May Macleod skilfully recreates the world of ancient Rome with all its brutality and brilliance, all its rich history and even richer legend. A true